Losing my mother at a young age left a void that I’ve struggled to fill. My name is Emma, and I lost my mom to ovarian cancer when I was just five years old. She was only 37. As I navigate adulthood, I find myself clinging to the limited memories I have of her—her laughter, the way she styled her hair, and the love she had for me and my siblings. But the memories are fading, and sometimes I question if they are real or simply figments of my imagination shaped by stories others have told me.
What I truly wish for are more photographs of her. I have only a handful of images, most of which are posed. The candid moments are incredibly precious to me. In fact, if my house were to catch fire, aside from my family, those photos are what I would rush to save. Now, at 32, with a two-year-old son of my own, I feel a growing anxiety as I approach the age my mother was when she passed. The fear of leaving my child in the same way I was left is a heavy weight on my heart.
If something were to happen to me, my son would have only a few selfies and maybe some photos of us together. Unlike my husband, who has countless pictures and videos with our child, I worry he wouldn’t have enough tangible reminders of our time together. He wouldn’t remember our trips to the park or the everyday moments that filled our days. He’s just too young to hold onto those memories.
A Call to Action: Make Yourself Visible
That leads me to share this important message with you: please, make yourself visible. Get in front of the camera, even on days when you don’t feel your best. Your child won’t care about your appearance; they just want to see you as you are. It’s not about being Instagram-ready; it’s about capturing genuine moments that they can cherish. Don’t delete those pictures because you think they don’t look good enough. You are likely your own worst critic, and those candid shots will mean the world to your kids one day.
My favorite photograph of my mother isn’t one from her wedding; it’s a candid shot of her sitting on the floor, engrossed in painting a chair. That image captures her personality, and when I gaze at it, I feel a connection to who she was.
Documenting Our Lives
We live in a time where technology allows us to document our lives more easily than ever. I challenge you to take a moment each week to have someone snap a picture of you with your children. Whether you’re playing at the park or just hanging out at home, don’t shy away from the camera. Remember, one day this will be all your children have left of you, and it’s so important for them to have enough to truly remember how much you loved them.
Further Reading
If you’re looking for more insights on this topic, check out this article on wellness coaching. For an authoritative perspective, visit Intracervical Insemination. Additionally, Science Daily offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Conclusion
In summary, capturing memories through photographs is vital for both you and your children. Don’t wait until it’s too late—make sure they have the chance to see you as you are, and remember the love you shared.